News
Xperia smartphones may support up to three years of Android updates
Following in the footsteps of Samsung
Three years of OS updates may soon be a thing for Android OEMs. Samsung was the first to commit to an extended update period for its flagship and midrange devices. Now, Sony may soon follow suit for its Xperia smartphones with extended updates.
If the information from Android Next is to be believed, this year’s Xperia smartphone will come with three years of OS updates. There’s a big caveat though: only this year’s Xperia flagships will get an extra year of OS updates.
Following this scheme, both the Xperia 1 II and the soon-to-be-released Xperia 5 II will get Android 13. These flagships are both on Android 10, with an update to Android 11 coming later this year.
See also: Leak has revealed almost everything about the Xperia 5 II
Older flagship models and midrange devices are unlucky though. The original Xperia 1 and Xperia 5, for example, will only get Android 11, which is exactly two years worth of OS updates. This year’s Xperia 10 II will also get Android 11 before Sony stops giving it further updates.
Finally, it’s the end of the line for the Xperia 10 / 10 Plus, 8 / 8 Lite, Ace, and XZ3 since this year’s Android 10 will be their last update. However, things could change since Sony hasn’t given its final word yet on software updates for Xperia devices.
A step in the right direction
While it is unfortunate that only this year’s Xperia flagship is getting three years of OS updates, it is still a step in the right direction. Hopefully, this move will become a status quo for the whole Xperia line in the future. Given that Sony is cooking up something on September 17, it will be exciting to hear the company’s plan regarding software updates.
This move also marks a change in the way OEMs support their smartphones. Clearly, Samsung’s commitment to three years of updates hasn’t gone unnoticed by other manufacturers. If Sony follows in Samsung’s step, it could put more pressure on other manufacturers particularly those who are reluctant to even commit to two years of software updates.
Source: TechRadar via Android Next
Apps
Disney+ launches a TikTok-coded vertical feed called Verts
TikTok has changed how we consume media. Everything is now vertical. Even the most established streaming services, often a bastion for traditionally horizontal content, is adopting the different format. Now, Disney+ is getting a vertical feed called Verts.
Like its contemporaries, Verts presents a continuous feed of content but tailored to show the plethora of titles from the Disney+ library. This might include the first scenes of shows or notable highlights. The hope, of course, is to direct users to the longform content.
Directly from the Verts feed, users can easily add the respective title to their watchlist or go straight to the title’s page. In turn, the feed is accessible from the homepage since it has its own tab.
According to Disney, early experiments with the feature have driven engagement to available content. Right now, the feed is mostly for clipping enticing content from shows. However, the platform will experiment further with the format for new ways to tell stories.
Though Verts surely stands for “verticals” in this case, “adverts” might fit better as its full government name. Still, it might be a useful tool if you’re figuring out what to watch for the night.
Currently, Verts is available for Disney+ subscribers in the United States. Disney also has plans to expand the feature to ESPN for sports-related content.
SEE ALSO: Live NBA action on Disney Plus now available in the Philippines
Some of today’s navigation apps are living in the future. Instead of a two-dimensional map, these apps render the user’s surroundings in 3D. It’s a nifty upgrade that helps drivers more accurately visualize directions on the fly. Finally, Google Maps is getting a much-needed upgrade and will take navigation to the third dimension.
In a new update rolling out today, the new Immersive Navigation feature will bring your surroundings to life. The 3D view creates a render of the surrounding buildings, overpasses, and terrain around the car. It takes the guesswork out of navigation by showing precisely where to turn and what landmarks to look out for.
In the same vein, you can now use Street View to preview your destination before you arrive. Google Maps will also highlight your destination’s entrance, side of the street, and nearby parking.
Outside of how the map is visualized, Google Maps is also infusing its service with Gemini. The new Ask Maps feature will let you engage with the app in a conversational manner. For example, if you’re in the middle of a long drive, you can now ask Maps where the best place is to stop over and have a coffee break. Ask Maps will provide directions, a potential itinerary, and even helpful links to book a reservation ahead of time.
Now, availability for both of these features is still a bit limited. Immersive View is rolling out today to compatible devices and vehicles in the United States. Further, availability will expand over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Ask Maps is available now in the United States and India for Android and iOS. A desktop version is coming soon.
SEE ALSO: Google Maps is finally getting a power saving mode
Entertainment
KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequel
Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans will return to write and direct.
This feels like a formality at this point. Netflix and Sony have officially confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel.
If you feel like you’ve read this exact title before, then you’re not alone. Since its massive success last year, the hit animated film constantly spawned talks of a potential franchise. It probably helped that the title quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film of all time. From the last we’ve heard of the rumors, Netflix was reportedly eyeing a 2029 premiere for the sequel.
Now, it’s official. As posted by Netflix itself, KPop Demon Hunters will get a sequel soon. Even better, the follow-up will be written and directed by the same duo, Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans.
Kang, who celebrated the first movie’s ability to tell a Korean story, says that there’s a lot more to explore in the film’s universe. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning,” she said.
Right now, the plot’s sequel is still unknown, especially since the Saja Boys were defeated in the first film.
Given how big the original movie got, the sequel is no surprise. Besides bagging the top spot on Netflix’s charts, the film also got an eventual release in theaters. KPop Demon Hunters is up for a potential Oscars win after it was nominated for Best Animated Feature. Its hit song, “Golden,” is also nominated for Best Original Song.
SEE ALSO: KPop Demon Hunters is now Netflix’s most-watched movie
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